While you can open up Windows' Task Manager at any time to see how much CPU a program is using, it's harder to watch that specific program's usage over time. Average CPU Cycles is a small, portable app that monitors one process over time so you have an accurate picture of its usage.

CPU usage can spike from time to time, but that doesn't necessarily mean a certain program is constantly running your CPU into the ground. Usually, you can tell just by looking at the task manager, but if you'd like a more accurate report of how a program uses your processor over a longer period, Average CPU Cycles is perfect. Just start it up, pick your process at the top, and keep an eye on the window (or come back to it later) and you'll have a better idea of its efficiency.